Distribution pattern analysis in a marine benthic community

Abstract

1. 256 contiguous core samples (7.62 cm diameter) were collected along a 32 m straight line transect from a sandy mud substrate in Fanafjorden, Norway, at a depth of 35 m. 2. Eleven species found in the community were analysed using Greig Smith's method of pattern analysis. 3. Three species were aggregated at nearly all block sizes (i. e. the effective sample sizes) and five randomly distributed. 4. Three species showed fluctuating distribution patterns according to the block size. The distributions of these species could not be adequately studied from multiple random samples. 5. No species showed an even distribution at any block size. 6. It is concluded that the micro-distributions, and hence the micro-habitats, of infaunal species cannot be investigated using the more conventional sampling techniques for sampling the benthos, by grab, scoop or ship-operated corers. © 1967 Biologischen Anstalt Helgoland.